The Los Angeles Lakers will look to be the first team to advance to the second round this postseason as they go for the sweep against the Houston Rockets on Sunday. It has been a tight series between the conference rivals, but it has become clear that LA is the better team.
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missing, much had been said about the Rockets sweeping the Lakers, but it has gone in the opposite direction. LeBron James & Co. have dominated the Rockets for three straight games, and Houston still doesn’t seem to find an answer.
Now the Lakers have a golden opportunity to advance, but they’re going to need to play their A-game in order to eliminate the Rockets, who might get Kevin Durant back in the lineup after missing Game 3 with an ankle injury.
The game tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock.
LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Odds
Moneyline: Lakers (+154) vs Rockets (-185)
Spread: Lakers +4.5 (-105) vs Rockets -4.5 (-114)
Total (O/U): Lakers o207.5 (-110) vs Rockets u207.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Preview
After dominating the home series, the Lakers’ biggest challenge in Game 3 was how to counter the Rockets on their home floor. LA went toe-to-toe once again with the Rockets but managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, despite trailing by six points in the final 30 seconds of regulation time. They went on to win in overtime by 112-108.
LeBron James led the Lakers with a double-double of 29 points and 13 rebounds. Marcus Smart also had a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists, while Rui Hachimura added 22 points and Luke Kennard posted 14 points.
As for the Rockets, their offense has struggled in the absence of Kevin Durant, whose injury has left them with major scoring challenges. Much of what has been giving the Rockets trouble throughout this series has been the Lakers’ LeBron James and Marcus Smart combining their defensive pressure and ability to trap, something Houston has been unable to solve, forcing them into a style of play they are not built for in the playoffs.
In Game 4, apart from Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr., most of the other players vanished when it mattered most. So, if the Rockets have any hope of staying alive, they will need to make some adjustments. Durant’s potential return could improve their chances, as he brings scoring opportunities, but it may already be too late. Now they face a monumental task, as no team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit.
LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Injury Reports
Lakers Injury Report
The Lakers could get a massive boost to their lineup, as Austin Reaves is once again listed as questionable with a Grade 2 oblique injury. While Reaves’ return would be huge, Luka Doncic continues to remain out with a hamstring injury.
Rockets Injury Report
As for the Rockets, Kevin Durant remains a game-time decision with an ankle injury, while Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams remain out with long-term injuries.
LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Starting Lineups
Lakers
PG: Luke Kennard, SG: Marcus Smart, SF: Rui Hachimura, PF: LeBron James, C: Deandre Ayton
Rockets
PG: Josh Okogie, SG: Amen Thompson, SF: Kevin Durant, PF: Jabari Smith Jr., C: Alperen Sengun
LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Prediction
The oddsmakers have listed Houston as 4.5-point favorites as they look to avoid being swept on their home court. However, the Lakers will give it their all to finish the series early and get some rest before the second round. This has all the hallmarks of another tight game. LA has been the better team throughout the series, but the Rockets could take this one, with the total points line set at 207.5.
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